KENYA’S SHUJAA IN QUARTERS: Morans out of Main Cup as Safari Sevens tourney starts

Kenya's Shuja Frank Wanyama runs away from Jean Claude of Burundi during the first day of 2015 Safari sevens rugby tournament at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Oct. 3 2015. [PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Shujaa have qualified for the Main Cup quarter-finals of the the Safari Sevens tournament after an impressive performance at the Kasarani Stadium yesterday.

Shujaa will now face Newcastle Wailers in the quarters. In other quarter-finals matches Samurai tackle England while Western Province face Australia Icon. Spain will play Zimbabwe with the other Kenyan team Morans playing Zambia in the Bowl quarters.

Shujaa were in class of their own demolishing a depleted Burundi 61-0 in their opening Group A match before thrashing Italy 37-0 to book a quarters spot.

They drew 10-10 against Western Province in their last game of the day.

Despite losing 29-12 to fancied Mike Friday’s Samurai International, Morans registered wins over Zimbabwe (12-10) and Uganda (36-0), but that was not enough for a place in the Main Cup quarters.

Kenya Harlequin winger William Ambaka made a fantastic comeback to the national team scoring a hat-trick of tries against Burundi with Frank Wanyama and Alvin Otieno touching down twice each on their international debut while Oscar Dennis scored the other try with Biko Adema failing to convert only once.

It was the same display against Italy where youthful Wanyama scored a brace with Ambaka, Kennedy Moseti, Augustine Lugonzo, Nelson Oyo, Kennedy Moseti and Jeffrey Oluoch scoring a try apiece.

“I am impressed with the performance of the boys. It was good to qualify for the last eight, but we are not yet there. The real test starts today, that’s where boys will be separated from boys,” Shujaa coach Benjamin Ayimba, said.

“Morans have really surprised everyone, apart from displaying good rugby, they have shown that they are ready to battle with the best on the international scene.”

Morans coach Paul Murunga was similarly pleased with the performance of his side.

“Samurai’s experience won them the match, but we responded well against Uganda and I am glad we are in the last eight. Let’s now wait and see what happens today,” said Murunga.

Kenya’s trio of Oscar Ouma, Felix Ayange and Sammy Oliech were the tormentors in chief against their fellow country-men propelling Samurai to a 29-12 victory over Morans. Oliech scored a brace with Ouma touching down once for Samurai who also qualified for the quarters.

Their performance left former Kenya coach Mike Friday a happy man, questioning their exclusion from the Kenyan teams.

“It was a brilliant return to Kenya and seeing the players I was with perform exemplary. It was not for me to question Kenya’s selection criteria, but my opinion is that Ouma, Ayange and Oliech are world class players. Everyone has seen that as they have proved it against their own national team,” said Friday.

The Englishman said he considers Shujaa as their main threat, but would love to meet them in the final.